I used Yellow Dog to research several fishing lodges, with specifications on price, ease of travel, food, quality of the guides, comfort, and overall fun. Yellow Dog delivered several options making life easy. All we had to do was find the dates that worked for our group. Once locked in – hit the easy button! All questions answered, proactive emails, invoicing, and pre-trip information. It was like having a personal concierge!
We selected The Lodge at Palisades Creek located in Irwin, Idaho. Travel was easy, arriving in Idaho Falls Regional Airport and taking a quick hour or so drive to the lodge. We were pleasantly surprised with a dedicated house of our own, with each room having its own bathroom and shower. The beds were great and the décor was modern and attractive. The fridge was stocked each day with fresh water, beer, and other drinks – all included in our package price.
After getting settled in, we wandered over to the outdoor restaurant area. We took a seat to catch up while drinking the nightly drink special. Of course, we could have had anything our hearts desired for a beverage as part of this all-included dining experience. That’s right, all beverages, adult and otherwise, are included in the price for the stay. We were treated to a wonderful four-star rated meal, prepared by a resident chef. The wait staff were wonderful, becoming members of our group by the time our trip ended. That happy hour and dinner routine repeated every night during our stay. We looked forward to the experience every evening upon returning from fishing.
Fishing – bet you are wondering about the fishing. The lodge is adjacent to the South Fork of the Snake River. Each morning we would arrive at the fly shop around 8 AM to connect with our guides. Each guide was experienced, friendly, and well versed on the river. Another perk - all rods, reels, flies, tackle, beverages, and lunches were included in the cost of the stay – no up-charges. We had two experienced fly fishermen as part of the group, and the rest were novices. The guides worked well with each level. For the experienced fishermen, each day yielded 30 fish or more – Yellowstone cutthroat, brown, rainbow, cutbow, and whitefish. Sizes of the fish ranged from fingerlings to 20 inches. Catching all species is considered a “grand slam” and most of our group achieved this feat and received a free commemorative shirt. Most importantly, the views are unbelievable. God really doesn’t put trout in ugly places. We saw bald eagles, ospreys, golden eagles, and moose.
The fly shop had some of the best inventory I have witnessed in a shop. Good variety of clothing, flies, rods, reels, tackle, and gifts. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.
Now for the fish stories – there is a game room and bar behind the fly shop called the “Liar’s Den.” It is stocked with all kinds of beverages, including top shelf liquors – all complimentary. It was a great way to end every day with a beautiful sunset, good friends, fish stories, and a good drink. Cigars are also available for an additional charge.
What does this mean? I will be using Yellow Dog again, and another visit to the beautiful and plentiful Lodge at Palisades Creek will be on my list!"
What’s Included:- Lodging
- Guided fishing
- All meals (cooler lunch while fishing)
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the lodge
- Guide pick up & drop off on each day of fishing
- River shuttle fees for guide’s vehicle
- Rods/reels, flies, and tackle provided by the guide
- Wader and wading boots
- Airfare
- Transportation to and from the lodge (can be arranged at an additional cost)
- Fishing licenses
- Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Taxes (will be added to invoice upon booking)
